UW limiting bowl travel parties, costs
University officials are carrying out their commitment to balance upcoming Rose Bowl spending with bowl revenues.
Chancellor David Ward outlined university plans at a news conference Friday, Dec. 3.
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“The department will not spend more than its takes in, and you will see this commitment carried out as our football team continues its great record of success with another Rose Bowl appearance this winter,” Ward said.
The specifics of the athletics department bowl budget shifts day by day as planners firm up cost estimates and confirm details. A full accounting of income and spending will be available after the bowl.
“We’re taking a hard look at all categories,” said Pat Richter, director of athletics. “We’ll be cutting back significantly on our travel party and other expenses.” Although the bottom line won’t be firm until after the bowl, Richter remains confident the department will continue on track.
University officials note that no taxpayer money will be spent on the bowl. In fact, though this is the third Rose Bowl appearance in six years by the Badger, no tax money or tuition has ever been spent on Rose Bowl travel or related expenses — and about 1 percent of the overall Athletics Department budget comes from state tax money.
For the upcoming bowl appearance, Rose Bowl proceeds totaling about $1.4 million will pay for players, coaches, key athletics department support staff, the band, its support staff, the spirit squad and an official university party. The costs for all travelers this year will be paid from Rose Bowl proceeds or private donations — not state tax dollars.
The official party will total around 50, compared to 97 last year.
“The Wisconsin athletics program has grown throughout the 1990s and this has been accomplished without being a burden on state taxpayers,” Ward said. “In fact, it has been a point of pride for Wisconsin citizens and a boon to the state economy.”
The approach to limiting expenses in post-season play is part of a long-range plan for controlling administrative expenses, finding new revenue and financing several major projects. This plan, which will ensure sound departmental financial management, was put in place even before the Legislative Audit Bureau released its report, critical of excessive spending, last month.
The 2000 Rose Bowl will be the third by the Badgers in six years. Wisconsin, winners in 1994 and 1999, will vie for an unprecedented back-to-back title for a Big Ten School.